New Jersey Assembly Bill A4850

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/23/24
• Refer: 9/23/24

Caption

Prohibits procurement of single use plastic beverage containers by State and local government entities.

Impact

The implementation of A4850 would require all state agencies and local government entities involved in purchasing goods and services to revise their procurement policies to comply with the new restrictions. This change is expected to foster the adoption of more sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. However, it includes exemptions for existing contracts and stipulations that alternative procurement methods must not cause undue financial hardship, which may mitigate the immediate regulatory impact on these entities.

Summary

Bill A4850 aims to prohibit the procurement of single-use plastic beverage containers by state and local government entities in New Jersey. The bill defines single-use plastic beverage containers as hermetically sealed or airtight containers intended for one-time use and includes various beverages such as carbonated drinks, water, and juices. The legislation intends to combat plastic pollution by eliminating the use of these containers in governmental operations, potentially influencing broader environmental policies in the state.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding A4850 is the balance between environmental sustainability and economic feasibility. Critics of the bill may argue that the restrictions could lead to increases in costs if reasonable alternatives to single-use plastics are not readily available. Furthermore, there is concern about the administrative burden placed on local governments to review and adapt their procurement processes within a year of the bill's enactment. Proponents, however, emphasize the importance of reducing plastic waste for environmental protection and encourage a shift towards more environmentally-friendly procurement practices.